The Peoples Democratic Party Ward Chairman in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Illoba Obata, appeared before the Federal High Court in Asaba over charges of alleged cyberstalking and defamation.
Obata, who serves as the PDP Ward 2 Chairman in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, was initially arrested by the police following accusations of cyberstalking.
In Charge No. FHC/ASB/70C/2024, filed by the Inspector General of Police as complainant and Obata as a defendant, is accused of conducting a campaign aimed at harassing and defaming the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
The charges were filed under the Cyber Crimes Act 2015 and the Criminal Code Act.
According to the charge sheet made available to PUNCH Metro on Monday in Asaba, the alleged offences include “Conspiracy to Commit Cyberstalking.”
Obata, “along with others currently at large, allegedly conspired to commit cyberstalking between July and August 2023 in Ogwashi-Uku. The offence is considered a felony and is charged under Section 27 of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.”
A key allegation against Mr. Obata includes creating and sharing a video on social media purportedly showing “one Afamefuna Ubaka, a suspect facing murder charges—being brought to the Obi’s palace, where he was purportedly beaten and mistreated.”
The charge sheet states, “The aim of the video was to expose the Obi and Chief Gabriel Ohai to public ridicule and hatred. This act is in violation of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.”
Another charge accuses Obata of conspiracy to defame the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, stating, “Mr. Obata is also charged with conspiracy to defame, alongside accomplices who remain at large. The prosecution alleges that this conspiracy, also between July and August 2023, sought to damage the reputation of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku by associating him with actions that would bring disrepute. This offence is punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2010.”
The charge sheet further reinforces these accusations, stating, “This charge mirrors the second count, further reinforcing the accusations of cyberstalking with intent to cause harm to the Obi’s reputation through digital platforms.”
It was learned that the Federal High Court granted Obata bail, though he has yet to meet all the bail conditions.
